Why Childrens’ Rights Matter In Nigeria UNICEF, Others

Why Childrens’ Rights Matter In Nigeria UNICEF, Others

By Mohammed Abubakar Dutse

Stakeholders’ at two-day sensitization workshop on the rghts of the child in Dutse, Jigawa state have advocated strict observance of the the extant laws governing the rights of children as the basis for generating future leaders where the society could benefit.

The occasion was the training organized for media personnel to enlighten them on the imperative of protecting the rights of the children as the upcoming generation leaders which was put together by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNiCEF) in collaboration with the Child’s Rights Information Bureau, ( CRIB) of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation.

The workshop,which drew participation from journalists and editors drawn from Kano and Jigawa states featured paper presentations from experts including veteran columnist Mr Lekan Sote, Chairperson of Nigerian Association of Women Journalists ( NAWOJ) Lagos State chapter Mrs. Jumoke Falayi, a Communication Scholar and lecturer at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) Ogba Ikeja Lagos Dr. Jide Johnson as well as Communication Specialist with UNiCEF Kano Field Office, Mr. Samuel Kalu.

Several papers were delivered, especially on ethical principles in reporting children’s issues, balancing public interest with child protection, as well as legal implications under the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission code and Press Council regulations., overview of the UN Convention on Child Rights as well as the Nigerian domestication of the Child’s Rights Act of 2003.

Highlights of the training included sessions on trauma-informed journalism, handling ethical dilemmas in reporting child abuse cases, the psychology of reporting sensitive stories, and guidelines on crime reporting involving minors particularly when to report and when restraint is necessary.

Setting the tone for the conversation, the facilitator of the programme, Malam Mustaoha Ahmad said the workshop was designed to deepen journalists’ understanding of their ethical responsibilities when covering children’s stories.

He noted that the training aimed to strengthen knowledge of child rights as enshrined in national legislation and international conventions, urging participants to recommit themselves to responsible journalism.

According to him, “Journalists must help build a media landscape that not only informs but also protects and empowers children,” he said, adding that the Federal Government remains committed to fostering a culture that safeguards children’s identities while amplifying their voices.

The Chief of Field Office of UNICEF Kano, Dr. Karanveer Singh, I a keynote address is underlined importance of ethical reporting by media on children, particularly in North west Nigeria.

Singh emphasized that responsible reporting could build trust, promote peace and protect vulnerable children in Nigeria, while highlighting three key reasons why ethical reporting matters. He said it builds trust, heals division and protects vulnerable children, as well as enhances credibility and professionalism.

He however, cited examples of how irresponsible reporting can re-traumatise survivors, stigmatise children, and spread misinformation.

Singh urged journalists to prioritise accuracy, protect children’s identities, and seek multiple perspectives.

The UNICEF official also called on media practitioners to use their platforms to advocate for child rights, track campaign promises, and demand accountability from elected officials.

He also stated that the media has a unique opportunity to shape the narrative of North-west Nigeria and promote a better future for its children.

Singh therefore commented on the journalists for their hard work and encouraged them to uphold ethical standards in their reporting..

Kalu believes that apart from the UNCRC and CRA, media practitioners could also tap into other international bodies such as the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) which had elaborate provisions bothering on the rights of children.

Speaking on “Child’s Rights and the Role of Media” Kalu said UNiCEF places a lot of emphasis on the positive development of the children, stressing that the organization would stop at nothing but to ensure that those rights as guaranteed in several statues books were guarded and enforced.

Mrs. Falayi s paper dealt with the institutional legal frameworks in Nigeria such as the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) Code, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) code of practice as well as the Nigerian Press Council, noting if journalists adhered to the above codes in their reportage of issues to children, there would be less concern about the rights of children.

The session was spiced with group exercise where participant’s were trained on the practical aspect of the reporting as a means of sending a clear message that children like adults do have their rights which must also be safeguarded and protected a

At the end of the exercise participants described the workshop as timely, noting that it would enhance professionalism and improve the quality of child-focused reporting across the regions. But it was also suggested that follow up exercises in the future would go a long way in upgrading their professional skills